FGCU enforces new skateboarding policy

There are few things as startling as having a skateboard zoom past you while you're walking on a sidewalk.

Administrators at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) have had enough and they're doing something about it.

Skateboarding is a means of transportation for FGCU student Anthony Riesgo to roll to class and get there on time.

"I was riding my board and he pulls me over," said Riesgo.

Riesgo was fined and he's not alone.

"He stopped me and took out his booklet and wrote me a $30 ticket," said Freshman Alex Spencer.

A policy prohibits students from biking, skateboarding, rollerblading or scooting under covered walkways. It was approved by Dr. Bradshaw in April.

Since the October 9th enforcement, campus police have issued 22 tickets to students breaking the rule.

"I don't know why they are being that way to students who are doing the right thing, being at school, not causing any harm to anyone. It's wrong," said Riesgo.

FGCU Campus Police Chief Steven Moore says the policy is the result of some growing pains within the campus.

"It's basically a safety issue. The sidewalks are a lot more crowded. We didn't want to discourage the skate boarding; we just wanted them to do it safely. So, the compromise was, don't skateboard under the covered walkways," said Moore.

It's a concern that even freshman and skateboarder Josh Coots understands.

"I can see why it would be like a health hazard for people who are going way to fast in hallways and outside. The really long boards, those are a lot harder to control and you can injure someone," said Coots.